Working with Transitions

What’s the issue?

·       Readers need to understand how parts of sentences, paragraphs, and essays fit together.

·       Without using clear transitions, you may lose your readers.

Examples: Functions of Common Words and Phrases

Addition	and, again, also, too, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover, besides
Cause and Effect	therefore, consequently, thus, accordingly, as a result, hence, then, so
Comparison	similarly, likewise, by comparison
Concession	although, admittedly, actually, to be sure, granted, of course, in fact, indeed, it is true, to tell the truth, certainly, with the exception of, even though, naturally, really, that is
Contrast	but, however, at the same time, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, yet, nevertheless, after all, in spite of, conversely, still, instead, nevertheless, otherwise, anyhow
Example	for example, for instance, one case of
Time (Chronological order)	first, formerly, earlier, previously, before that, then, now, concurrently, simultaneously, at the same time, immediately, this time, until now, shortly, currently, in the meantime, subsequently, later, next, afterwards
Place (Spatial order)	elsewhere, here, above, below, farther on, there, beyond, nearby, opposite to, around
Clarification	that is, in other words, in simpler terms, to put it differently, simply stated, partly
Sequence (numerical order OR order of importance)	first, second, third [not firstly, secondly, etc.], next, finally, following, then, in time, the chief, main, primary, secondary and so on
Summary	in conclusion, to conclude, to summarize, in brief, in short

Let's Practice Transitions!

Finish each of the following statements using ideas of your own invention. Answers may vary.

1.    Writing is difficult; therefore, __________________________________________

2.    Writing is difficult; however, ___________________________________________

3.    Writing is difficult. For example, ________________________________________

4.    Although writing is difficult, ____________________________________________

5.    Writing is difficult. Similarly, writing ____________________________________

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